Crawford 417/1a

Moneyer: L. Aemilius Lepidus Paullus with L. Scribonius Libo. AR Denarius, 62 BC. 

Denomination: denarius

Obverse: PAVLLVS LEPIDVS - CONCORD. Diademed and veiled head of Concordia right. 

Revserse: PVTEAL SCRIBON. Puteal Scribonianum decorated with garland and two lyres; at base, hammer; in exergue, LIBO. 

Reference: Crawford 417/1a

Weight: 3.98 g. 

Diameter: 19 mm. 

Note: Rare and Exceptional example with pleasant tone. Full weight. 

Though often described as a "well-head," the "puteal" is in this case a circular wall erected around the spot of a lightning strike. The Romans believed such spots were marked by the gods, and hence worthy of veneration. The most famous of these edifices was the Puteal Scribonianum in the Roman Forum, seen on the reverse of this attractive issue. Interestingly, the presence of two lyres on the base indicates the lightning bolt was believed to have been hurled by Apollo, not Jupiter; the hammer, implement of Vulcan, is seen here as the symbol of heavenly fire.

Collection : 16 Roman Republic